When the lights go down at the Marquis Theatre and the first chilling notes of music are played, you know you will be taken somewhere – not only somewhere else, but to another era. A time when the Upside Down was not a household name. A time when Hawkins, Indiana was just a regular town with regular worries. Welcome to 1959, and welcome to Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
The Beginning of the End
Long before Eleven, before the Demogorgon, and before we all fell in love with the band of misfit kids fighting supernatural forces, Hawkins had secrets. The new Broadway sensation Stranger Things: The First Shadow sheds the layers of the mysterious past of the town, giving the fans of the Netflix phenomenon a chance to see where the darkness really started.
Being a fan of the Stranger Things universe since its inception, I could not wait to see how this prequel would play out on the stage. The answer? Magnificently.
Ready to witness Hawkins like never before? Grab your tickets now at Broadway Direct.
A Story Worth Telling
Set in 1959, the play introduces us to younger versions of characters we’ve come to know and love. Jim Hopper is just a teenager struggling with a car that won’t start. Bob Newby is an ambitious radio enthusiast whose sister doesn’t take his show seriously. And Joyce Maldonado (yes, that Joyce) is simply trying to graduate and escape the confines of small-town life.
But when Henry Creel and his family arrive in Hawkins looking for a fresh start, the shadows of the past begin to creep in. If you’re one of those people who are familiar with the series, the name “Creel” should give you chills all over your spine and rightly so. This is where things start getting interesting, and here you see the origin story of one of TV’s most interesting villains laid out in front of you.
What makes this production so special is the fact that it stands alone but also contributes to the greater Stranger Things story. You don’t have to have watched every episode of the show to enjoy the play’s storytelling, but the fans will no doubt pick up the breadcrumbs that lead to the greater mythology.
Bringing Hawkins to Broadway
The creative team behind the First Shadow is as impressive as it gets. Under the masterful direction of Stephen Daldry (The Crown, Billy Elliot, The Inheritance) and co-director Justin Martin (Prima Facie, The Inheritance), the production explores 1950s Hawkins with incredible accuracy, and emotional depth.
Based on a story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Kate Trefry, the play has already received high reviews, winning two Olivier Awards including Best Entertainment in its West End run.
“The first time we saw the play, we were blown away,” says Ross Duffer. “They pulled everything off, and then some. It was one of the most thrilling experiences of our lives,” adds Matt Duffer, creators of the original Stranger Things series.
A Cast That Shines
The Broadway show has a strong ensemble headed by Louis McCartney, reprising his critically acclaimed West End stint as Henry Creel. His performance is nothing less than mesmerizing and adds layers and layers of nuance to a character whose path of evolution is at the heart of the Stranger Things mythology.
The supporting cast is no less powerful with Rosie Benton as Virginia Creel, Alex Breaux (appearing in the upcoming Stranger Things Season 5) as the mysterious Dr. Brenner. Emmy Award nominee T.R. Knight brings gravitas to the role of Victor Creel, while Juan Carlos makes his Broadway debut as Bob Newby.
Andrew Hovelson, Alison Jaye, Emmy Award nominee Gabrielle Nevaeh, and Burke Swanson make up the rest of the main cast as Principal Newby, Joyce Maldonado, Patty Newby, and young James Hopper, Jr., respectively. Taken together, they make a vivid, credible picture of life in 1950s Hawkins, before everything was different.
Technical Marvels
One might wonder how the supernatural elements that define Stranger Things could possibly translate to a live theatrical setting. The answer lies in the production’s extraordinary technical achievements.
Without giving away too many surprises, I can say that the special effects in The First Shadow rival anything you’d see in a big-budget film or the Netflix series itself. The design team has come up with visuals that will make you wonder what is possible in live theater and break all the rules and expectations.
From lighting that switches the tone from wistful Americana to otherworldly terror in the blink of an eye to sound design that drops you right in the middle of the action, every technical detail has been perfectly engineered to draw you fully into this world.
More Than Just Nostalgia
Although The First Shadow definitely capitalizes on nostalgia for the 1950s and the much-loved Netflix series, it does not provide a simple nostalgia trip. In its essence, this is a family, friendship, trauma, and the darkness that lives in us all story.
The play goes deeper into the questions of belonging and identity, showing how our past determines our future and how our decisions can have rippling effects in time. It raises hard questions on nature versus nurture and whether our destinies are predetermined or whether we can do something about them.
As a prequel that is set several decades before the main series, The First Shadow somehow feels very contemporary, exploring universal experiences and feelings that are timeless. It is this emotional heart that lifts the production above the level of mere spectacle, setting something that will remain with you long after the curtain comes down.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning to see Stranger Things: The First Shadow (and you absolutely should), here are some practical details:
- Runtime: 2 hours and 45 minutes, including an intermission
- Location: Marquis Theatre, 210 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
- Age Recommendation: 12+ (Under 5s not permitted, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
- Ticket Limit: 9 tickets per order
In terms of content, the production team would say that if you are comfortable with the amount of content in the TV show, you should be alright with the play. That is some intense scenes, supernatural elements, and emotionally charged moments.
Don’t wait—performances are filling up fast. Book your visit to Hawkins today.
A Landmark for Fans and Newcomers Alike
What is so remarkable about The First Shadow is that it is capable of pleasing the devoted fans, but without losing the newcomers who may have never been into the world of Stranger Things before. This is a tall order for a prequel, which has to walk the fine line of respecting an established mythology yet still provide a standalone story that is worthwhile to read.
The play strikes this balance perfectly, providing a lot of references and connections for the eagle-eyed fans, but at the same time keeping the story available to all. Be it you have reviewed every frame of the Netflix series or you are looking for an exciting evening at the theater, The First Shadow does not disappoint.
The Verdict
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is not merely an adjunct to a hit TV series, but a theatrical work of art in itself. With its all-star cast, groundbreaking technical aspects, and emotionally engaging storytelling, this production is now setting the bar for how beloved screen properties should be adapted to the stage.
The play was officially opened on the 22nd of April 2025 and is already creating a lot of buzz among theatre-goers and critics. After its Olivier Award-winning run in the West End of London, the Broadway run is set to be one of the hottest tickets in the season.
Final Thoughts
In a theatrical world that is constantly filled with musical renditions of popular movies, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is different – a dramatic play that explores a loved tale and keeps its heart. It’s evidence that with the right creative group and a focus on quality, the worlds that we cherish on the screen can take on a new life in the theater.
With the dimming of house lights and with me getting comfortable for the performance, I was not sure what to expect. By the final curtain I was totally under the spell, not simply having seen a prequel to a favorite show, but a great piece of theatre that speaks for itself.
Whether you are a die-hard fan of the Netflix series or just a person who enjoys the innovative, emotionally moving theater, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is something that you do not want to miss. Just remember – the shadows of the past reach far and long and once you enter this world you may never see Hawkins the same way again.
Get your tickets now at Broadway Direct. The shadows are waiting.
